LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day
upon the listing of the Congregation of Beth Abraham building on the
National Register of Historic Places

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
organizations which contribute to the quality of life and the preserva-
tion of historic properties; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Mt.
Zion Church of God 7th Day upon the listing of the Congregation of Beth
Abraham building on the National Register of Historic Places, to be
celebrated on Sunday, May 1, 2011, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, On this special day, Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day, formerly
Congregation of Beth Abraham, is hosting its dedication ceremony and
reception celebration of being listed on the National Register of
Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation listed the Congregation Beth Abraham property on the New
York State Register of Historic Places in March of 2009; the former
synagogue, located at 230 East 37th Street in Brooklyn, New York, was
given the prestigious listing on the National Register on April 30,
2009; and
WHEREAS, The building, purchased by the Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day
in 1970, was built in 1928, designed by the architect Peter Millman; the
former synagogue is an intact example of 20th Century synagogue design
in New York City; built by first and second generation Eastern European
Jewish immigrants, the temple incorporates motifs characteristic of
Romanesque and Classical Revival architecture; and
WHEREAS, The adaptive re-use of a synagogue as a Christian church is
common in New York City, reflecting changing demographics after World
War II; the current congregation, Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day, has
200 members and is growing; its presence in the community has had a
positive influence; and
WHEREAS, Mt. Zion has a food pantry, offers hot meals to the homeless,
sponsors a farmers market where free food is offered and holds a number
of workshops; Pastor Gilford T. Monrose hosts a weekly radio program
with topics ranging from finances to historic preservation resources for
churches; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
those institutions which contribute to their community and understand
the historic and cultural significance of architecturally important
buildings; the congregation of Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day is proac-
tively addressing the restoration and preservation of the former syna-
gogue Congregation Beth Abraham; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day upon the listing of the
Congregation Beth Abraham building on the National Register of Historic
Places; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pastor Gilford T. Monrose, Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day.